Healing Gardens to host 'Centering Prayer' workshop June 22

Healing Gardens, a two-acre expanse of woodland and perennial gardens at Stone Hill Farm off Dean Street in St. Charles, will host a workshop teaching a prayer method called "Centering Prayer," which is based on the teaching of the early Christian hermits, ascetics, and monks in an updated form. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer.

The Centering Prayer method facilitates the opening of mind and heart.

"Introduction To Centering Prayer" will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Deborah Marqui, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm, will teach the workshop. A two-time cancer survivor, she attributes her healing to the restorative power of nature and the simple prayer practice of Centering Prayer. She is a commissioned presenter of Introduction to Centering Prayer.

The cost is $65 and includes optional follow-up sessions that will assist in the strengthening of the Centering Prayer practice. Scholarships are available. Register by calling (630) 740-2597 or register online at www.healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.

The gardens are open to the public on the second Sunday of each month from April through October. The admission fee is $5 per person and $10 per family. Call for discounted group rates. Cancer survivors are free, although donations of time or money for upkeep are appreciated. Healing Gardens is at 37W249 Dean St. in St. Charles.